Service, hikes, and new friends!

Hey all! It's been a great week!

Last Monday we went to Old Man by the Sea (the real one). It was so pretty! Then today we went with some of the youth to forbidden island and the hidden grotto. We went last year too. It's probably the hardest hike I've been on here, but also one of my favorites. It's just so pretty!! And ends in a cave. Next time I come to Saipan it'll be nice to end that hike in a swim..... but not now!! Matthew took my camera with him underwater though. It was in a cave, so kinda too dark to see very well, but still pretty. 

On Friday all the missionaries went to Bishop's house and helped them clear out their bike track they have in the middle of the jungle, and clear some more space for a garden. Plus I got to week and help Sister Winegarner (Bishop's wife) plant some passionfruit! Passionfruit is soooooo yummy!! Can't wait til she has some more ripe ones!! We were all super hot and sweaty afterwards. She bought us pizza though, it was very good!

This week we walked a bunch. We found so many amazing people! I'm running out of time to tell you about them all, but Brian and Janice and Janice's mom, Elsa, are soooo cool!! I love them already!! They've had some family struggles in the past, and are looking for a good church. They had only lived in that apartment for a few days when we found them. So cute ^^ They came to church on Sunday and loved it!

We also met Nica. She's so sweet! She told us she felt something really strong when we told her were missionaries, specifically for Jesus Christ. She's excited to learn. Her boyfriend had a heart attack and stroke a couple weaks ago, and is in Guam recovering. He is barely talking and can hardly move his fingers. 

I was studying up on the Spirit of Sacrifice/being a consecrated missionary this week. I ready D&C 24:9, then 7-8. It's so true! The Lord really gives you strength you wouldn't otherwise have as you are doing His Work, whether as a missionary or fulfilling your calling.  One time Elder Ieru asked me how I never get tired. (That's not true, there are plenty of nights I can hardly keep my eyes open before falling on my bed). But I know that our calling gives us more strength than is normally possible, especially as we push forward and put our own needs aside and focus on those around us. I think I am beginning to grasp the true meaning of the Spirit of Sacrifice. I encourage all of you to look for ways that you can sacrifice your own desires and serve those around you: whether in your family or in your work, with your friends, your neighbors, or even strangers. 

I love you all so much! I hope you have an excellent week! Stay safe, and keep reading the scriptures and saying your prayers every day! He hears you, and there are answers. 

Love from Saipan,

Sister Springer

A Wonderful Week!

Hey everyone! I hope all is well there on the other side of the world.

This week was sooooooo good. Emma got baptized!!!!! It was such a beautiful day!!! I just love her so much. Brother Conner baptized her. He said, "that's the first time I've ever baptized a pregnant woman. I had to put her clear under the water to make sure all of her went in!" Haha. Emma was so beautiful. I gave a Chinese talk too, so she could understand a little bit more. She's so sweet. I just wish you all could meet her, and all the other people I've been blessed to meet and get to know out here. I love Saipan, and the MGM!!! 

I just wanted to share something that President Poston shared with us missionaries. "

A Church member shared this observation:

“On one occasion, the disciples of Jesus were looking at

some nearby children, children typical of any time and place, perhaps a little

loud and undisciplined, perhaps dirty from their playing on the dusty paths of

their neighborhood. Suddenly the disciples heard a comment from Jesus, a

caution: “Take heed that ye despise not one of these little ones; for I say

unto you, that in heaven their angels do always behold the face of my Father

which is in heaven” (Matthew 18:10). At this moment, they and we are watched by

eyes that are wiser, more realistic, more perceptive, and more charitable than

our own.”

I just thought that was so cool to think about. Everyone we meet, everyone we see, is a child of God, who has been given angels to watch over and protect them. I just read the part in Jesus the Christ where the Savior is telling his disciples the parable of the King and the sheep and the goats. Always remember that every soul you reach out to and help, you are doing that good deed to "one of the least of these my brethren." We are all children of God, and we all individually matter to Him. Always remember that truth, if you remember nothing else, when you are feeling lonely, or see someone struggling. Remember that the worth of every soul is great in the sight of God. 

Sister Springer

Transfer Calls!

Hey everyone!!!

This week was so awesome! Guam was really great. Miracles happened. Unfortunately, I am out of time to email so the story will just have to wait to I get home. Sorry about that....

Transfers this time were crazy! Sister Jenkins and I are staying in China forever though haha. Sister Laulusa is training again! She's so good. Best trainer ever. She's an excellent missionary. Sister Kaleopa finished her mission =( Going to miss her. But she'll be in Utah when I come home, so that'll be way fun! Elder Peles is going to Yap! He's on his last transfer. At least he speaks Yapese already Elder Jensen got transfered back to Chuuk. He was sooo sad =( He really liked Saipan. It's weird though..... next to me and Sister Jenkins, he has been on Saipan the longest. We have seen our entire zone change about 3 times. We decided Saipan is like the reserve: some of the greatest missionaries are here, then they get pulled to other islands where the Lord needs them. 

Elder Ili and Elder Walter are now companions in CK. Elder Bell and Elder Petersen are companions in Kagman. Elder Fata, from Guam, will be our District Leader. His companion is Elder Imor. They are whitewashing up north. This Zone is going to be awesome!!! I just love Saipan <3

Love you all! Sorry this week's email is so short. Have an excellent week!!

Sister Springer

Year Anniversaries, Zone Conference, and Managaha!

Hey everyone!

Sounds like it got a little cold over there in the States. Sorry about that. You probably don't want to hear this, but today we went to Managaha to celebrate Mama's birthday (she's a super awesome Chuukese recent convert that everyone loves!). Managaha is a beautiful little island off the coast of island. Quite the tourist attraction, but you can still find little spots to yourself. Used that hammock my dad sent me even =) It was so warm, and while we couldn't get in the water, it was still super fun!

This week we had zone conference, so President and Sister Poston flew in. I love those two so much!! Zone Conference was excellent. President Poston taught us Sisters how to study our Patriarchal Blessings. My eyes have already been opened to so much more!! I get to see them again this week cuz I'll be flying to Guam again for MLC. This will be my 13th! So crazy.....

This week Sister Jenkins and I hit two different year marks: One of being companions on March 1st, and the 2nd of being on Saipan for a whole year. So crazy to think about! I love my companion, and am truly blessed to have spent the last year as her companion. We continue to learn more about each other every day, and continue to strive to see past each others weaknesses. It seems like the natural man in all of us really wants us to see those weaknesses only the longer we know someone and the closer you get to someone. But as we stay close and drawer closer still to Heavenly Father, I know we see each others strengths more than those weaknesses. I know this is true in any relationship, whether it be marriage, dating, friendship, whatever. If you are close to God, you can love anyone. 

I love Saipan with all my heart, and it's going to be so hard to leave. But I'm trying not to think about that, only to live every moment I have here with joy. Missions are just so awesome, and God is so great!

Love,

Sister Springer

PS FAM: Sorry If I don't reply to all your emails, almost out of time to email. But I love you all!!